Spanish 3, Semester B

Learning a language is a multi-faceted experience in which you are introduced to a whole new set of words and ways of expressing yourself with words, along with new cultures formed by people who have been speaking that language for centuries. The Spanish-speaking world is vast and rich, spanning Spain in the Iberian Peninsula and many parts of North, Central, and South America, all with varied ethnic and political histories and cultures.
In Spanish 3B, you’ll be reintroduced to Spanish in a variety of situations, beginning with multiculturalism, bilingualism, cultural influences on traditions, customs, food, and social experiences, and legends and folklore from different cultures. YouÕll discuss and describe genres of music, poetry, drama, and short stories, and proverbs from different cultures. YouÕll also explore how geographical features affect the weather, and how the geography and weather affect the clothing, food, and livelihoods of the local population. YouÕll also understand the history of Venezuela and how the Spanish conquerors and indigenous people shaped the culture of the country, and youÕll learn about the South American independence movement, including some significant freedom fighters and their struggles to win independence. You will also discuss religions practiced in Argentina, the cultural icons of the country and how they compare to cultural icons from other countries, sports and activities in Argentina, some national symbols, such as the gauchos, and idioms and sayings from Argentina. Finally, youÕll discuss types of wildlife and natural and agricultural resources found in Costa Rica, the human resources of the country that help overcome economic and natural disasters, and how to write formal and informal letters to share experiences.
You’ll build on what you learned in Spanish 3A to communicate by listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish as you internalize new vocabulary and grammar. You’ll also learn about some regions of the Spanish-speaking world where the central characters of each unit are visiting. You will build on this semester’s work as you advance in your Spanish studies: everything that you learn about a language and the cultures in which it is spoken will serve as a foundation for further learning.